Madrid

Temple of Debod, interesting and curious traces of Egypt in Madrid

Temple of Debod in Cuartel de la Montaña park in Madrid
Temple of Debod in Cuartel de la Montaña park in Madrid

One of the most beautiful corners it has Madrid, not too well known among those who visit the capital of Spain, is the Temple of Debod.

Although it may seem surprising, in a central and truly beautiful location among gardens you can visit a true egyptian funerary monument !!!

Located at the beginning of the Paseo del Pintor Rosales, next to the very central Spain Square, Temple of Debod is located in the Cuartel de la Montaña park.

El Temple of Debod It is an Egyptian funerary monument that was installed in 1970 in its current location.

This monument was donated to Spain by the Egyptian government in gratitude for its collaboration in saving numerous monuments from the Ancient Egypt from the area Abu Simbel,

This work allowed numerous Egyptian monuments to be safeguarded from the consequences of the construction of the Aswan Dam in the Nile river with large areas of flooded land.

The monument had been dismantled in 1961, and it was in 1970 when the large stone blocks of the temple were moved to Spain from the port of Alexandria to Valencia.

Finally, after its reconstruction in its current location, the Temple of Debod It was inaugurated in 1972.

Temple of Debod in Cuartel de la Montaña park in Madrid
Temple of Debod in Cuartel de la Montaña park in Madrid

Since then, the temple has been used as a venue for theater and film performances, although over the years it suffered great deterioration. In 2008 it was declared "A Cultural".

What to see in Debod Temple

When you get to Temple of Debod You can visit its different rooms for free, specifically, Augustus Lobby, Chapel of Adijalamani, Naos lobby and Audiovisual Room.

Among the objects on display, the models that show the original location of the Temple of Debod adjacent to Nile river, in the zone of Abu Simbel.

The Visiting hours of the Temple of Debod They are, from April to September, from 10 a.m. to 14 p.m. and from 18 p.m. to 20 p.m., and from October to March, in the afternoons the hours are from 16 p.m. to 18 p.m.

Throughout the year on Saturdays, Sundays and holidays you can visit the temple from 9,30:20 a.m. to XNUMX p.m. Closed on Mondays.

Temple of Debod in Cuartel de la Montaña park in Madrid
Temple of Debod in Cuartel de la Montaña park in Madrid

But in addition to visit the Temple of Debod You have another reason to go to the Cuartel de la Montaña park that surrounds it.

In the late afternoon, due to its orientation and location, it is one of the most beautiful places in Madrid to enjoy the sunset.

See the sunset from the Cuartel de la Montaña viewpoint

This beautiful park occupies the site of the historic Mountain Barracks, a military building that was destroyed during the Civil War after one of the most important battles that took place in Madrid.

Indeed, in 1860, in what was then called Principe Pio mountain, it was decided to build a military barracks, known as the Mountain Barracks, which housed up to three thousand soldiers.

Cuartel de la Montaña Park in Madrid
Cuartel de la Montaña Park in Madrid

During the military uprising that triggered the Civil War In 1936, rebellious troops barricaded themselves in this barracks until they were finally killed and the barracks was completely destroyed.

In fact, in the years after the war no remodeling was carried out in that area, so the remains of the Mountain Barracks They remained until the 60s.

It was in 1972, coinciding with the inauguration of the Egyptian temple, when the entire park was remodeled.

Now it's worth even gazebo what you will find behind the Temple of Debod of Madrid, from where you will not only have beautiful views of the West Park and House, but also from the area of Almudena Cathedral and the Royal Palace.

In short, a recommended walk to complement your visit to the famous Egyptian temple.

Dusk at the Temple of Debod in Madrid
Dusk at the Temple of Debod in Madrid

About the Author

José Luis Sarralde

Journalist and traveler throughout his life, José Luis Sarralde is the founder of Guías Viajar, where since 2008 he has been capturing his travel experiences around the world, specializing in cultural and scenic destinations in Spain and Europe.

1 Comment

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  • The administration of tourists visiting the temple with a minimum of 6 people after at least 1 hour of waiting is unprecedented. They could implement another form of access, such as a continuous tour with explanatory headphones.

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